Shirley Kam (9)
F.3A
(10-11) F3 Chemistry Individual
Project Work
Ionic & Covalent compounds
Compound: Magnesium sulphide
(MgS)
Magnesium sulphide
• Formula: MgS
• Electron diagram:
Magnesium sulphide (MgS)
Physical properties:
• Melting point:
• Boiling point:
>2000 °C
No data
• Physical state at room temperature:
Solid
• Colour:
reddish-brown, white or red
• Density:
2.68 g/cm3
• Solubility in water:
decomposes
• electrical conductivity:
Semi-conductor
Magnesium sulphide (MgS)
Chemical properties
• Laboratory preparation:
MgS is formed by the reaction of sulphur
or hydrogen sulphide with magnesium.
Magnesium sulfide, MgS, can be
produced by heating magnesium to
500°-600°C with sulfur or SO2 and H2S.
*the process takes place in fume cupboard
as the compound will produce toxic gas
• Reactivity towards water:
Give hydrogen sulphide and magnesium
hydroxide
• Reactivity with oxygen:
Form the corresponding sulfate,
magnesium sulfate
Magnesium sulphide (MgS)
Uses:
• BOS steelmaking
• wide band-gap direct semiconductor of
interest as a blue-green emitter
• Phosphor making which can be used in
radiation dosimetry as optically stimulated
luminescence and thermoluminescence
dosimeters, in radiography as infrared
sensors, etc.
Magnesium sulphide (MgS)
Potential hazards:
• Fire and explosion hazards:
When heated to
decomposition, it may emit
toxic fumes of SOx.
Sulphides can react violently
when exposed to flame or
oxidizers. Hydrogen sulphide
is evolved upon contact with
water/moisture.
Magnesium sulphide (MgS)
• Health hazard caused by the exposure of
Magnesium sulphide:
Inhalation: May cause sneezing, coughing,
difficult breathing, and irritation of the respiratory
tract.
Skin: May cause irritation, itching, and
dermatitis.
Eye: May cause burning sensation, irritation,
redness and watering of the eyes if it comes in
contact.
Magnesium sulphide (MgS)
• Conditions to Avoid: Heat,
flame and incompatible
materials.
• Incompatibility (Material to
Avoid): Strong acids, strong
bases, oxidizers,
water/moisture.
Magnesium sulphide (MgS)
• Special precautions:
Precautions to Be Taken in Storage and Handling:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Wash hands and face after use.
Other Precautions: Handle in a controlled atmosphere.
Work Practices:
Implement engineering and work practice controls to
reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low
levels. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.
Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash
thoroughly before eating and smoking. Do not blow dust
off clothing or skin with compressed air. Maintain
eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench
shower and facilities for washing.
Magnesium sulphide (MgS)
• Special characteristic:
Aside from being a component of some
slags, MgS is a rare nonterrestial mineral
niningerite detected in some meteorites.
Resources:
1. Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_sulfide
2. Webelements
http://www.webelements.com/compounds/magnesium/
magnesium_sulphide.html
3. The Free Dictionary
http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Magnesium
4. ESPI
http://www.espimetals.com/msds%27s/Magnesium%20Sulfide.ht
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